Students are revving up to take control of track

A group of adrenaline - fuelled Preston students are hoping to take the record books by storm on the international racing circuit.

The team from the University of Central Lancashire is in the running to create the ultimate fuel efficient car, which they will be racing at the prestigious Eco Shell Marathon.

Taking place in London for the first time in a 30-year history, the Shell Eco-marathon Europe challenges students to design and build ultra-energy efficient cars, then drive them on a purpose-built track to see which can travel the furthest on the least amount of energy.

With 230 European teams entered to take part, competition is expected to be tough.

UCLan is stepping up to the challenge for the third year in a row and is hoping to set new records.

They are busy designing and building two vehicles that will take to the track. On is the newly modified gasoline prototype vehicle as well as the debut of a new Urban Concept car.

Lecturer and project leader Tony Broad said: “With the event coming home to London, there is a great opportunity to show what our engineering students can really do.

“We have completely new teams this year and we are hoping to beat our current prototype record of 1318 mpg, as well as launch our brand new battery electric urban concept car.”

First year mechanical engineering student Chris Lovell Smith is involved in the project.

He said: “It will be awesome to see both our cars run for the first time in London.

“We have been working hard over the last few months and it’s a bit daunting to think there will be hundreds of other engineering students competing at Shell Eco-marathon, but we are up for the challenge.”

This year, Shell Eco-marathon Europe will be showcased at Make the Future London – a festival of ideas and innovation taking place a Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from June 30 to July 3.